27 MW to boost power in Masbate, Palawan

By Kris Crismundo

DMCI Power Corp. (DPC) is investing P3.5 billion to add some 27 megawatts (MW) of power in the off-grid market of Masbate and Palawan between 2022 and 2023.

In a statement, DPC said it would spend P2.7 billion to construct a thermal power plant in Narra, Palawan with a capacity of 15 MW.

Around P800 million will be invested on a hybrid diesel-solar power plant in Cataingan, Masbate, which will have a capacity of 12 MW, of which 4 MW will come from solar energy.

“These investments are in response to the government’s mandate to accelerate the exploration, development and utilization of renewable energy and indigenous fuel resources, thus decreasing our dependence on imported fuel,” DPC chief operating officer Antonino Gatdula, Jr. said.

The Masbate plant will be operational by the first quarter of 2022 and the Palawan thermal plant by the second quarter of 2023.

“Once operational, the Palawan and Masbate power plants will increase the company’s installed capacity in the missionary areas from 136.42 MW to 163.72 MW,” DPC added.

The off-grid electricity supplier was established in 2006 providing electricity to areas not connected to the main transmission grid.

It provides electricity to electric cooperatives in Masbate, Palawan and Oriental Mindoro. (PNA)